CBI(The Central Bureau of Investigation) recently submitted a chargesheet implicating Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, as the primary accused in a case involving significant financial irregularities. However, the Special CBI Court at Alipore declined to accept the chargesheet due to the absence of mandatory governmental sanction required for prosecuting a state government employee.
Background of the Case
Dr. Ghosh’s tenure as principal was marred by allegations of financial misconduct, including manipulation of tender processes and unauthorized outsourcing of infrastructure projects, bypassing standard governmental procedures. These alleged activities raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement within the institution.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings by CBI
On September 2, 2024, Dr. Ghosh was arrested by the CBI following an investigation into these financial irregularities. Alongside him, four others were detained: Biplab Singh, Afsar Ali, Suman Hazra, and Ashish Pandey. The chargesheet, comprising over 100 pages and supplemented by approximately 1,000 pages of supporting documents, detailed the alleged fraudulent activities spanning more than three years.
Court’s Rejection of the Chargesheet
Despite the comprehensive nature of the chargesheet, the Special CBI Court at Alipore refused to accept it. The court cited the lack of requisite official approval, known as sanction for prosecution, which is essential when filing charges against a state government employee. This sanction serves as a procedural safeguard, ensuring that prosecutions are conducted appropriately.
Implications and Next Steps
The court’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to procedural requirements in legal proceedings, especially those involving government officials. The cbi now tasked with obtaining the necessary sanction from the West Bengal government to proceed with the prosecution. This step is crucial to ensure that the case moves forward within the legal framework.
Related Investigations
In addition to the financial irregularities case, Dr. Ghosh is under investigation concerning the tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in August 2024. The CBI is probing allegations of evidence tampering and procedural lapses during the initial investigation of this heinous crime. These concurrent investigations highlight the multifaceted legal challenges Dr. Ghosh faces.
